Faversham Town announce the signing of former Ashford United captain and record goalscorer Gary Lockyer

Gary Lockyer has joined Faversham Town after his surprise exit from Ashford United.

Captain Lockyer, the Nuts & Bolts’ record goalscorer and appearance holder, was released by his hometown club on Monday last week.

His departure alerted rival clubs but it’s Faversham who have won the race to sign the 33-year-old striker, who scored more than 100 goals for Ashford.

It’s his second spell with the Lilywhites, having previously joined them from Ashford in the summer of 2023.

With summer signing Ibrahim Olutade out on loan at AFC Whyteleafe and a shortage of goals up front, manager Steve Watt couldn’t pass up the chance to sign a No.9 of Lockyer’s pedigree.

“It’s an area we’ve not quite got right this season,” said Watt.

“We’ve got very good players, we just don’t feel we’re getting the return of goals we need from a No.9 to achieve what we want to achieve.

“Ibz has been out on loan, we’ve got Eniye (Amgbaduba) and Josh Strouts has been very good, but we just felt we needed to bring in a proven No.9.

“It was a case of let’s try and bring someone in, a fresh face, and hopefully it’s the change and the difference we need.”

Watt hadn’t expected Lockyer, who finished top scorer in the FA Cup two seasons ago, to be an option.

“It’s hard to find strikers at this stage of the season. They’re normally all taken,” added Watt.

“When someone like Gary becomes available, you have to explore it, and with his goalscoring record at this level, I think it would be really silly of me not to try and bring him in.

“I’m delighted he’s joined us. Everyone’s time at clubs comes to an end. I don’t know the ins and outs down there.

“Did I think he would be available this year? No. So it does come as a surprise but everyone makes decisions in the